The Red Zone (The Riptide, #3) by Beth Bolden

Goodreads   *    Amazon US  

Spencer’s deep in the Red Zone and it’s time to even the score.

Nine years ago Spencer Evans became the first player out of the closet to be drafted into the NFL. Everyone believed he had aspirations to change the world but all Spencer ever wanted to do was play football for a team that accepted him wholeheartedly. But they never would, and Spencer began to conceal all the parts that made him different.

When a terrible injury forces him to re-evaluate his life and his choices, he realizes there’s only one man who can help him.

The very first gay sports agent, Alec Mitchell has given his life and his career to making queer athletes’ dreams come true. He can’t help but think of Spencer as the one who got away—professionally and personally.

Alec thought he’d buried his desperate longing for Spencer ages ago but it turns out it was just lying dormant, waiting for the right spark. When he begs Alec to take him on as a client, everything they’ve been burying for years surfaces once again.

With Alec’s help, Spencer can change everything about his life he’s come to hate. An extraordinary future—and an undeniably extraordinary man—are waiting for him. The play has been called. All he has to do is catch the ball and score.

________________________________________________

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Red Zone is a fun sports romance by Beth Bolden. The third book in The Riptide series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

This one has football, injuries, and an agent falling for his client. It's sweet, realistic, and funny. Hell yes! 

I love this story and everything it addresses. The topic of Alex's career and the way he's been treated is all well done. I enjoy every bit of this situation. Of course, it's always tough to read about homophobic people, but it adds even more realism to the tale.

This is a slow burn, second chance read. If you enjoy second chance romances, you will enjoy the feelings this story brings forth. 

Alex and Spencer are great together. I enjoy every bit of their journey. They work well together and are certainly damn hot together. Like seriously hot!

The writing is great, the story fluid, and the storyline entertaining. There are plenty of secondary characters who add to the fun. 

The Red Zone is one of those sports romances I can't get enough of. If you enjoy seeing an athlete fall in love, make sure to read this gem. You're won't regret it.